Technology is providing a new impetus to build smarter and more sustainable cities around the world. Leading technology companies such as IBM and Cisco are already making large investments in information technology with an aim to improving the efficiency of cities. These companies are focusing on improving the environment, health, traffic conditions, weather forecasting and affordable housing in major cities through technology.

Google is now all set to join in this ambitious endeavor to improve city living through its new start-up called Sidewalk Labs. Google describes Sidewalk Labs as an “urban innovation company” that will pursue technologies to cut pollution, curb energy use, streamline transportation and reduce the cost of city living. The start-up will be headed by Daniel L. Doctoroff, former deputy mayor of NYC and former chief executive of Bloomberg L.P.

Vikas is a staff writer for the Sustainable Development news and editorial section on Justmeans. He is an MBA with 20 years of managerial and entrepreneurial experience and global travel. He is the author of "The Power of Money" (Scholars, 2003), a book that presents a revolutionary monetary economic theory on poverty alleviation in the developing world. Vikas is also the official writer for an international social project for developing nations "Decisions for Life" run in collaboration between the ILO, the University of Amsterdam and the Indian Institute of Management.